Southampton Set to Transform as c.£100m Bargate Scheme Submitted for Planning

Sarah Breedon

Marketing Manager

August 2nd 2016

Plans to transform the former Bargate Shopping Centre have been submitted to Southampton City Council. If given the go-ahead, the scheme will open up and celebrate some of the city’s richest historical assets and see an investment of nearly £100 million, leading to the creation of 280 jobs.

The redundant 1980s shopping centre will be demolished and the site will be transformed into a vibrant quarter offering new boutique shopping, cafes and restaurants.

The proposals, designed by Corstorphine + Wright, include plans for apartments and student accommodation and provide routes through the site connecting the Bargate to Debenhams creating a lively neighbourhood in the heart of the city.

The historic town walls, which have been hidden for the past 30 years, will be a key feature of the new development. With pathways, kiosks and outdoor seating lining the wall local residents and visitors to the city will be able to enjoy this historic setting.

James Burchell, Bargate Property Ltd, commented:

“We are thrilled that the application has been submitted to Southampton City Council and we are one step closer to realising the potential of this key city centre site. The level of interest in the proposals from local stakeholders and residents has been huge and has highlighted how important it is that this site is brought back into positive use. The scheme which has been lodged with the Council seeks to create a vibrant neighbourhood. We’d like to think the proposals meet the expectations of those who have shown an interest in the sites redevelopment over the last 12 month, we will continue to keep the local community updated with the progress of the application.”

The lodged application follows extensive community and stakeholder engagement, which was launched last summer. Over the course of the year the proposals have evolved following conversations with Historic England, Southampton City Council and local businesses and residents. Following the most recent public consultation in May a key alteration to the final scheme is a reduction in the height of the building on East Bargate.

Steven Frith, Associate Director at Corstorphine + Wright, said:

“This is a key gateway site and the plans will create an aspirational, more balanced and better connected city centre and celebration of Southampton’s historical assets.”

Councillor Simon Letts, Leader of Southampton City Council added:

“I’m delighted to see proposals for the redevelopment of this area of the city submitted; not only will it bring jobs and homes but it will open up a hidden section of the city walls and create a pedestrian link between our great Victorian parks and the Bargate. I hope to see work start on the project next year.’

The application will now be reviewed by Officers at Southampton City Council and subsequently determined by Councillors in the autumn. The submitted plans will be made available on the Council’s website for people to view and leave comments.